ance. The brethren, L. S. and A. V. Williams, immediately set off with horses to meet them.

August, 1. Last night the rain poured down in torrents, and the wind blew almost a tempest. All the creeks, and many of the small branches, are full, and there is no passing, except by swimming. We have great anxiety for our brethren, who had probably nothing but their bla kets to shelter them last night from the storm. Brother Kingsbury and an Indian boy set off to meet them, and carry them some refreshment. At four o'clock in the afternoon the brethren all arrived in safety; though much worn down with fatigue. Brother K. met them about seven miles from the mission. They had left their waggons and most of their baggage in the woods, on account of the high water. They were obliged to stand up most of the night, thoroughly drenched with rain. The arrival of these dear brethren, and the letters and intelligence they have brought, have greatly refreshed our spirits.

2. We have cause for gratitude that the brethren arrived yesterday. Last night we had another powerful rain. The creeks are higher than they have been before this year.

3. Three of the brethren set off to bring in the waggons, which had been left in the wools about 9 miles from the mission house. They found every article safe, and returned with them before night.

We learn this morning that the boat we had expected, is yet at a considerable distance. One of the hands died after they entered the Yazoo; others are sick. The master was obliged to leave the boat, and come up the river for help. This is another trial of our faith and patience. We have not flour for more than one baking, and no dry corn. But green corn is beginning to be plenty in the neighborhood, and we have some excellent potatoes. So that by the care of a kind Providence, we shall still be provided for.

4. Sent four hands to help bring up the boat. Brother Pride was called to attend one of our neighbors sick of a bilious fever. We are happy that it is in our power to extend the blessings of our mission to the bodies, as well as the souls, of this people.

Considered in our meeting for business, that, in respect to house room, we could accommodate 50 scholars the ensuing winter: also, that fifty dollars a year be considered a compensation for those parents, who are disposed to pay for the board of their children.

7. Brother Kingsbury set out to attend a general council of the Nation, to be held at a place called the Upper French Camp, about 60 miles distant. We expect business will be transacted highly important to the interests of the mission, as well as to the nation.

Sabbath, 8. Held a meeting as usual. In the afternoon held a second meeting, about three miles distant, which was well attended.

12. Hired another laborer. At present we have 6 hired men and one boy, besides one man employed in the kitchen.

14. At eleven o'clock, received the joyful intelligence that the boat had arrived. Hope soon to be in possession of some articles which we much need. 15. Brother Kingsbury returned, but not in season to attend public worship. He was unexpectedly detained by a heavy shower and tempest. It blew almost a hurricane. The sound of the wind could be heard more than two miles.

During this scene, brother K. had an opportunity of witnessing the practice of the Indians on these occasions. The man, at whose house he took shelter, was a half breed chief, of good natural sense, and some information. As soon as they heard the wind, apprehensive what the event might be, the father and son took down their guns, deliberately loaded them, and waited the approach of the tempest. In a few moments, the scene was sublime and awful. The crashing of the trees, and the darkening aspect of the clouds, were suited to lead the mind to adore, in awful silence, that Power, who rides on the whirlwind and directs the storm. At this instant the Indians discharged their guns. It is a belief, which they have probably derived from the whites, that a musket ball discharged into a hurricane will break its force. The wind passed by, without doing any other damage than breaking the tops of dry trees, and some branches from the green ones.*

There have been four very destructive hurricanes through the Choctaw country this summer. Their course was from S. W. to N. E., and they were from 20 rods to two miles

The following is extracted from brother K.'s journal, during his absence to attend the sitting of the council.

"I arrived at the council ground on the morning of the 9th, the day appointed for commencing the talk. As a number of the chiefs had not arrived, they did not proceed to business. In the evening, several kegs of whiskey were brought by Indians, to sell out to those assembled on the occasion. Capt. Folsom, and several other half breeds, immediately went to those who owned it, and stated the bad effects of selling whiskey to the Indians, while they were attending council. They were easily persuaded to deliver it up, and it was put under lock and key, until the talk should be ended.

"10. No business done to day. The chiefs from the six towns have not yet arrived. Report says, they found whiskey on the way, and will not come to the council till it is gone. Those present are perfectly civil. There has been no disturbance throughout the whole encampment; and in fact, they have no quarrels at any time, except when under the influence of whiskey.

"I have conversed with a number of the chiefs concerning the school, and the importance of making some provision for the support of the scholars. They manifested an interest on the subject, but I fear nothing decisive will be done at this meeting. By consent of the Agent, I notified them, that I wished to give them a short talk, when they are ready to hear it. They informed me that they would listen to it when the other chiefs arrived.

"11th. About 8 o'clock in the morning, Col. McKee, the U. S. Agent, called at the house where I lodged, to inform me, that a white man was found dead in the camp this morning; and requested that I would attend the funeral, as soon as a grave could be prepared. The deceased was in health yesterday, ate a hearty supper last night, and went to sleep as usual. Two white men slept by his side, who found him a lifeless corpse in the morning. How uncertain is human life! "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

"At eleven attended the funeral. Many of the chiefs and Indians were present. After a short address and prayer, to which they gave profound attention, the body, wrapped in a blanket, was interred with decent solemnity.

"The council, which had been delayed on account of the funeral, convened at 12 o'clock, and gave notice that they were ready to hear what I had to say to them.

"Col. McKee very kindly introduced me to the head chiefs, and made a few remarks very favorable to the school. The following talk was then delivered.* "The place for holding the council was a square area of 30 feet on each side, over which poles were laid supported by forks, and covered over with bushes, to screen those under it from the sun. The chiefs were seated on the ground. After I began my address a heavy shower of rain came on, and the covering of bushes proved but a comfortless shelter in the storm. Col. McKee, myself, and two or three others, were defended by umbrellas; but the chiefs were thoroughly drenched; yet they listened to all that was said with great attention. The rain soon subsided, and after Col. McKee had read two letters to the council, they adjourned.

12. After the council had convened this morning, Capt. Folsom, a half breed chief of some information, and who possesses great influence, addressed the council in a very animated manner, for a considerable time on the importance of schools, and several other subjects. A subscription was immediately opened, and between 80 and 90 cows and calves, and more than $1300 in money were subscribed for the benefit of the school at Elliot. It is not probable that the whole subscription will be collected."

16. At our meeting for business, resolved, that brother Jewell go to collect the stock lately subscribed for the benefit of this school; also, that we hire three blacks, one man and two women, of Col. McKee, for one year, if we can obtain them.

23. Brother Jewell went with two half breeds hired for the purpose, to collect the stock lately subscribed.

wide. Wherever they passed, most of the trees were either broken or torn up by the roots. To get through one of these tracts of devastation, where it crosses the public road, travellers are obliged to make a circuit of three miles.

For a notice of this talk, see Pan. for Dec. p. 555.

28. Brother A. V. Williams was taken ill last evening. While attending family worship, he experienced a difficulty of respiration, and was obliged to close abruptly. Some medicine was given him, and he retired to bed. In the night his wife was awaked by his groans of distress. His brother and Dr. Pride were called in, and after bathing, and administering some gentle sudorifics, he obtained a partial relief. He is still quite indisposed, so that he has not left his room to day.

29. Brother W. was so ill last night as to require constant watching. He has become so helpless as to be unable to turn himself in bed, and to require two men to move him. His disease is considered to be the acute rheumatism, attended with a burning fever. We are sensible that all our dependence must be on God; but it is a satisfaction to have a physician in our family to prescribe such remedies as a kind Providence has furnished for the relief of suffering man. 30. Brother and sister Kanouse left us this morning, to return to their friends in New Jersey. It was painful to part with this brother and sister, particularly under our present circumstances. They have been faithful laborers, and have greatly forwarded the work of this establishment. They came with the expectation of returning at the close of one year. We had indulged the hope, that, considering the circumstances of the mission, and our great need of help, they would have continued until winter. But their friends were unwilling that they should continue longer.

We do believe, that if the children of God could witness the perishing condition of these heathen, they would be willing to give up their children for so glorious a work, as the bringing of them out of darkness into the light of the Gospel.

Sept. 3. Brother W. is more comfortable this morning. Towards noon had two ague fits, followed by fever and profuse sweat. We fondly hoped his disease would change to a regular intermittent; but our hopes were soon dissipated by the return of increased pain and burning fever.

5. The symptoms of our brother have become truly alarming. The pains, which had been alternately in his breast, back, and limbs, have become fixed in his bowels and stomach. We have relinquished all hopes of recovery. Distressing hiccoughs, and deep hollow groans, admonish us of his approaching dis

solution.

About ten in the evening the family were called together to take their final leave of our beloved brother, who was supposed to be dying. But the time of his release had not arrived. His distress is extreme, and it would almost melt a heart of stone, to hear his doleful moans. But his soul rests sweetly on Jesus, and he appears perfectly resigned to the will of his heavenly Father.

6. Life is still prolonged, but we are not permitted to indulge any hope of recovery. The most powerful medicines have ceased to have any effect. At ten in the evening we were again called together, to witness the dying agonies of our dear friend and brother. The struggle was severe. About a quarter past eleven he was sweetly released from the sorrows and sufferings of this mortal life. "Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord,"

7. About four P. M. we followed the remains of our departed fellow laborer to the silent tomb.

How mysterious are the ways of Providence. At a time when we seem most to nced assistance, one of our small number is removed by death. Few have been the days which we have spent together; but they have been pleasant. We have been united in the best and most exalted labors, which bound our hearts together by the tenderest ties.

Brother Aries V. Williams had cheerfully devoted himself to the cause of Christ among the heathen. Having set his face to the work, he cheerfully endured the burdens and hardships which fell to his lot. While on a dying bed he was asked, if he regretted that he had come to this distant land, to labor for the cause of Christ. "Ono," he replied with emphasis, "I only regret that I have done no more for him." Through his whole sickness he was calm and resigned.

Being asked about the state of his soul, he replied, "I cannot say I bave so lively exercises as I once had; but I know Jesus is allsufficient, in him I trust, and I feel that I can lean my head upon his breast, and breathe my life out sweetly there." This last sentiment was often repeated, during the last days of his sickness.

He often showed an ardent desire to speak to us, but distress and weakness of body prevented. To his deeply afflicted wife, and to his brothers and sisters in the mission, he said, "Let your light shine;-live above the world; be fervent in spirit." To Mrs. P. the Choctaw woman, who we hope has savingly embraced the Gospel, he said, as she entered the room, "Can I not call you a dear sister in Christ? Jesus is my friend, I hope he will be yours."

It may be truly said of him, that he was waiting the coming of his Lord. At times he would say. "O my dear Savior, what wait I for? Why dost thou so long delay thy coming?" Thus with a lively hope he resigned himself to the arms of his Savior, and we trust, has gone to receive the reward of those who continue faithful unto the end. His memory will long be precious to us, and long shall we bewail the loss we have sustained. May the Lord of the harvest raise up others, of a similar spirit, to come and occupy the place vacant by his death.

16. Brother Jewell returned with 54 cows and calves, and two steers, collected of those subscribed for the benefit of this school. The others we shall get next spring. A black woman came with brother Jewell, who was sent by the Agent to assist us for a while.

At a meeting for business-resolved, that we hire another laborer,-that brother Williams superintend the neat stock,-that brother Jewell, in addition to his present business, take charge and assist in the work on the buildingsand that our hired help be released from work three hours before sun set on Saturdays.

(To be continued.)

TOUR TO CHOULE.

[[ our last volume p. 466, was mentioned Mr. Hall's visit to several towns and villages on the continent, at a short distance from Bombay. The following article more specifically describes his success in examining the state of those places, and the settlement of schools in them.]

We have long considered it as extremely desirable, that we should have access to the continent, for the purpose of distributing more widely the books we print, of preaching more extensively the Gospel of Christ, and of establishing at a distance those native schools, in which might be taught the doctrines of salvation, as well as the rudiments of human learning. How far we might be enabled to extend our operations in these various ways, we have ever considered as somewhat doubtful.

Feeling it our duty to employ every means in our power, to advance our one great object of promoting Christian knowledge in this region, I proposed to the brethren to visit several places on the Continent, should they think it advisable, and should no impediment lie in our way. They all approved of it, and agreed in thinking it expedient for me first to wait on the Governor, and converse with him concerning the object of the proposed tour. I accordingly waited on his Excellency, and was received by him with his usual condescension and kindness. His Excellency repeated his expressions of confidence in us, and of his entire satisfaction in regard to the manner in which we were pursuing our object, and was perfectly ready to grant us any indulgence in extending our operations beyond the limits of Bombay. He said he felt no objection to my going any where. A few days after, I obtained the customary passport for going to Choule, Cullian, and Basseen, intending to proceed to these several places, as soon as I might find it convenient.

October 28, 1818. About 10 o'clock I embarked from Bombay in a patemar, for Choule. The boat belonged to that place, and was manned with about ten Mussulmauns, and had on board about the same number of passengers, who also were Mussulmauns. I was accompanied by the Jew, Samuel Yasoph, who has been the teacher of our Jewish school in Bombay, ever since its establishment. Having had experience of his ability as a school teacher, and he being a native of Choule, it was thought best that he should go with me; and that he should be employed in teaching a school there, should it finally be thought expedient to begin schools in that region.

No sooner had I gone on board, than the crew and my fellow passengers were inquisitive to know who I was, what was my profession, and what my object. And, as their custom is, these inquiries were directed not to me, but to the native, the Jew, who was with me. Being informed that I was a padre, (the common word in and about this country, for priest,) and that my object was to teach a certain religion, to distribute books, and to establish charity schools,-we very naturally fell into conversation on these subjects.

I conversed a little; but perceiving the approach of that severe sea sickness, which I always experience when I go on the water, proposed to my Jewish companion, who was not thus affected, to read one of the tracts to the people. He readily complied, and begun to read the first tract of the Scripture history. A part of the people sat around him to hear.

As he read, I occasionally made remarks, and they made various observations, showing that they had some little knowledge of Moses, and his account of the creation; of Adam and Eve, of Cain and Abel, of Noah and the flood; of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Solomon, and other characters and events recorded in the Scriptures. They readily assented to what they had heard, and seemed highly grateful,until we came to the reflection on the fall of man and his redemption through a Savior's blood, and then,like all the votaries of the Arabian impostor, they started at the name "Son of God," and, as taught by their arch deceiver, they were ready to turn away with contempt. But I desired them to listen to the explanation, which, they did, until both reader and bearers, in addition to a partial sea-sickness, were almost overcome by the excessive heat of a vertical sun, shedding his scorching rays upon our open boat. The exercise was therefore discontinued, and each one made himself as comfortable as he could.

In about five hours from the time of sailing, we landed at what is by Europeans called Choule; but what the natives uniformly call Rawadunda, about three miles to the east of which is the town properly called Choule, and which is not in the English territory, but in the dominions of Angrea, King of Calaba.

Here, in a small compass, are six or eight towns belonging to the English, and in these towns there may be 30,000 inhabitants, who, excepting about 200 Roman Catholics, and 50 families of Jews, and a few Mahommedans, are all Hindoos. This place has had a succession of masters, and has experienced great changes. Soon after the Portuguese came to this country, they here commenced a settlement. The fort which they built in front of the town of Rawadunda, was one and a half mile in circumference, with lofty walls and numerous towers. Not a single human being now inhabits this spacious fortification. It is all one uniform cocoanut grove, spreading a wide melancholy shade over the mouldering ruins of temples, monasteries, and other edifices, both public and private,

once the superb mansions of a Christian people; but now merely the abode of loathsome vermin. Within two miles of the same spot, the ruins of Mahommedan fortifications,temples, seraglios, and monuments in their burying grounds, show, that here, at some former period, another empire must have risen up, flourished, and then vanished away.

It is now about six months since this territory passed from the Mahratta sovereign into the hands of the English.

Immediately on my landing, I walked nearly a mile to the further side of the town, and there took up my quarters with a Jewish family. I was so exhausted with sea-sickness, heat and other fatigue, as to be quite unfit for any further exertions. After sitting awhile, however, I concluded to take a walk into the fort. On my way I called at the tent of an English officer, who was residing there a short time,for the purpose of taking a survey of the fort and district. He received me kindly; and, after taking a walk with him among the ruins of the fort, I returned and dined with him, and at about 9 o'clock again reached my lodgings. This closed the labors of the day.

29. In the morning I arose quite refreshed with the repose of the night, and encouraged with the hope of doing something towards diffusing a knowledge of the Savior among this numerous heather people, who I suppose were never before visited by a Protestant missionary.

Before breakfast I walked through the town to the sea shore. On my way, near the beach, I passed two Hindoo temples, which bore the marks of indigence and neglect. In front of one of these temples I stopped, and briefly addressed a